Shane carries Memphis, his partner Maggie’s toddler daughter. Shane had Maggie’s name tattooed on his neck one month into their courtship.
Domestic violence is frequently seen as a private crime, hidden from view, often excused or obscured from outsiders even by its victims. Maggie (19) lives in central Ohio, with her children Kayden (4) and Memphis (2). Her partner of some months, Shane (31), has had struggles with addiction, and has spent much of his life in prison. One night a violent argument broke out between them after they had returned home from a bar. Shane told Maggie she could choose between being beaten in the kitchen, where a friend was sitting, or going to the basement where they could talk privately. Maggie refused to be alone with him, and his rage grew more intense. Shane was arrested after a resident in the house called the police. He later pleaded guilty to a domestic violence felony and was given a nine-month sentence.

for Time

Shane carries Memphis, his partner Maggie’s toddler daughter. Shane had Maggie’s name tattooed on his neck one month into their courtship.
Domestic violence is frequently seen as a private crime, hidden from view, often excused or obscured from outsiders even by its victims. Maggie (19) lives in central Ohio, with her children Kayden (4) and Memphis (2). Her partner of some months, Shane (31), has had struggles with addiction, and has spent much of his life in prison. One night a violent argument broke out between them after they had returned home from a bar. Shane told Maggie she could choose between being beaten in the kitchen, where a friend was sitting, or going to the basement where they could talk privately. Maggie refused to be alone with him, and his rage grew more intense. Shane was arrested after a resident in the house called the police. He later pleaded guilty to a domestic violence felony and was given a nine-month sentence.

Maggie sits with her children Memphis and Kayden. From the beginning of their relationship, her new partner Shane engaged with the children, asking Kayden to call him ‘Dad’.
Domestic violence is frequently seen as a private crime, hidden from view, often excused or obscured from outsiders even by its victims. Maggie (19) lives in central Ohio, with her children Kayden (4) and Memphis (2). Her partner of some months, Shane (31), has had struggles with addiction, and has spent much of his life in prison. One night a violent argument broke out between them after they had returned home from a bar. Shane told Maggie she could choose between being beaten in the kitchen, where a friend was sitting, or going to the basement where they could talk privately. Maggie refused to be alone with him, and his rage grew more intense. Shane was arrested after a resident in the house called the police. He later pleaded guilty to a domestic violence felony and was given a nine-month sentence.

for Time

Maggie sits with her children Memphis and Kayden. From the beginning of their relationship, her new partner Shane engaged with the children, asking Kayden to call him ‘Dad’.
Domestic violence is frequently seen as a private crime, hidden from view, often excused or obscured from outsiders even by its victims. Maggie (19) lives in central Ohio, with her children Kayden (4) and Memphis (2). Her partner of some months, Shane (31), has had struggles with addiction, and has spent much of his life in prison. One night a violent argument broke out between them after they had returned home from a bar. Shane told Maggie she could choose between being beaten in the kitchen, where a friend was sitting, or going to the basement where they could talk privately. Maggie refused to be alone with him, and his rage grew more intense. Shane was arrested after a resident in the house called the police. He later pleaded guilty to a domestic violence felony and was given a nine-month sentence.

Shane and Kayden have a haircut together.
Domestic violence is frequently seen as a private crime, hidden from view, often excused or obscured from outsiders even by its victims. Maggie (19) lives in central Ohio, with her children Kayden (4) and Memphis (2). Her partner of some months, Shane (31), has had struggles with addiction, and has spent much of his life in prison. One night a violent argument broke out between them after they had returned home from a bar. Shane told Maggie she could choose between being beaten in the kitchen, where a friend was sitting, or going to the basement where they could talk privately. Maggie refused to be alone with him, and his rage grew more intense. Shane was arrested after a resident in the house called the police. He later pleaded guilty to a domestic violence felony and was given a nine-month sentence.

for Time

Shane and Kayden have a haircut together.
Domestic violence is frequently seen as a private crime, hidden from view, often excused or obscured from outsiders even by its victims. Maggie (19) lives in central Ohio, with her children Kayden (4) and Memphis (2). Her partner of some months, Shane (31), has had struggles with addiction, and has spent much of his life in prison. One night a violent argument broke out between them after they had returned home from a bar. Shane told Maggie she could choose between being beaten in the kitchen, where a friend was sitting, or going to the basement where they could talk privately. Maggie refused to be alone with him, and his rage grew more intense. Shane was arrested after a resident in the house called the police. He later pleaded guilty to a domestic violence felony and was given a nine-month sentence.

As the stresses of Shane’s unemployment and of raising two children on very little money grew, he and Maggie began to argue more frequently.
Domestic violence is frequently seen as a private crime, hidden from view, often excused or obscured from outsiders even by its victims. Maggie (19) lives in central Ohio, with her children Kayden (4) and Memphis (2). Her partner of some months, Shane (31), has had struggles with addiction, and has spent much of his life in prison. One night a violent argument broke out between them after they had returned home from a bar. Shane told Maggie she could choose between being beaten in the kitchen, where a friend was sitting, or going to the basement where they could talk privately. Maggie refused to be alone with him, and his rage grew more intense. Shane was arrested after a resident in the house called the police. He later pleaded guilty to a domestic violence felony and was given a nine-month sentence.

for Time

As the stresses of Shane’s unemployment and of raising two children on very little money grew, he and Maggie began to argue more frequently.
Domestic violence is frequently seen as a private crime, hidden from view, often excused or obscured from outsiders even by its victims. Maggie (19) lives in central Ohio, with her children Kayden (4) and Memphis (2). Her partner of some months, Shane (31), has had struggles with addiction, and has spent much of his life in prison. One night a violent argument broke out between them after they had returned home from a bar. Shane told Maggie she could choose between being beaten in the kitchen, where a friend was sitting, or going to the basement where they could talk privately. Maggie refused to be alone with him, and his rage grew more intense. Shane was arrested after a resident in the house called the police. He later pleaded guilty to a domestic violence felony and was given a nine-month sentence.

Shane and Maggie’s courtship was brief, but intense. He called her every day from prison, and after his release, they began to date.
Domestic violence is frequently seen as a private crime, hidden from view, often excused or obscured from outsiders even by its victims. Maggie (19) lives in central Ohio, with her children Kayden (4) and Memphis (2). Her partner of some months, Shane (31), has had struggles with addiction, and has spent much of his life in prison. One night a violent argument broke out between them after they had returned home from a bar. Shane told Maggie she could choose between being beaten in the kitchen, where a friend was sitting, or going to the basement where they could talk privately. Maggie refused to be alone with him, and his rage grew more intense. Shane was arrested after a resident in the house called the police. He later pleaded guilty to a domestic violence felony and was given a nine-month sentence.

for Time

Shane and Maggie’s courtship was brief, but intense. He called her every day from prison, and after his release, they began to date.
Domestic violence is frequently seen as a private crime, hidden from view, often excused or obscured from outsiders even by its victims. Maggie (19) lives in central Ohio, with her children Kayden (4) and Memphis (2). Her partner of some months, Shane (31), has had struggles with addiction, and has spent much of his life in prison. One night a violent argument broke out between them after they had returned home from a bar. Shane told Maggie she could choose between being beaten in the kitchen, where a friend was sitting, or going to the basement where they could talk privately. Maggie refused to be alone with him, and his rage grew more intense. Shane was arrested after a resident in the house called the police. He later pleaded guilty to a domestic violence felony and was given a nine-month sentence.

An argument breaks out between Shane and Maggie, after a night out at a local bar.
Domestic violence is frequently seen as a private crime, hidden from view, often excused or obscured from outsiders even by its victims. Maggie (19) lives in central Ohio, with her children Kayden (4) and Memphis (2). Her partner of some months, Shane (31), has had struggles with addiction, and has spent much of his life in prison. One night a violent argument broke out between them after they had returned home from a bar. Shane told Maggie she could choose between being beaten in the kitchen, where a friend was sitting, or going to the basement where they could talk privately. Maggie refused to be alone with him, and his rage grew more intense. Shane was arrested after a resident in the house called the police. He later pleaded guilty to a domestic violence felony and was given a nine-month sentence.

for Time

An argument breaks out between Shane and Maggie, after a night out at a local bar.
Domestic violence is frequently seen as a private crime, hidden from view, often excused or obscured from outsiders even by its victims. Maggie (19) lives in central Ohio, with her children Kayden (4) and Memphis (2). Her partner of some months, Shane (31), has had struggles with addiction, and has spent much of his life in prison. One night a violent argument broke out between them after they had returned home from a bar. Shane told Maggie she could choose between being beaten in the kitchen, where a friend was sitting, or going to the basement where they could talk privately. Maggie refused to be alone with him, and his rage grew more intense. Shane was arrested after a resident in the house called the police. He later pleaded guilty to a domestic violence felony and was given a nine-month sentence.

Shane and Maggie argue in their kitchen, after a night out at a local bar.
Domestic violence is frequently seen as a private crime, hidden from view, often excused or obscured from outsiders even by its victims. Maggie (19) lives in central Ohio, with her children Kayden (4) and Memphis (2). Her partner of some months, Shane (31), has had struggles with addiction, and has spent much of his life in prison. One night a violent argument broke out between them after they had returned home from a bar. Shane told Maggie she could choose between being beaten in the kitchen, where a friend was sitting, or going to the basement where they could talk privately. Maggie refused to be alone with him, and his rage grew more intense. Shane was arrested after a resident in the house called the police. He later pleaded guilty to a domestic violence felony and was given a nine-month sentence.

for Time

Shane and Maggie argue in their kitchen, after a night out at a local bar.
Domestic violence is frequently seen as a private crime, hidden from view, often excused or obscured from outsiders even by its victims. Maggie (19) lives in central Ohio, with her children Kayden (4) and Memphis (2). Her partner of some months, Shane (31), has had struggles with addiction, and has spent much of his life in prison. One night a violent argument broke out between them after they had returned home from a bar. Shane told Maggie she could choose between being beaten in the kitchen, where a friend was sitting, or going to the basement where they could talk privately. Maggie refused to be alone with him, and his rage grew more intense. Shane was arrested after a resident in the house called the police. He later pleaded guilty to a domestic violence felony and was given a nine-month sentence.

Shane flings Maggie back into the kitchen as she tries to run off.
Domestic violence is frequently seen as a private crime, hidden from view, often excused or obscured from outsiders even by its victims. Maggie (19) lives in central Ohio, with her children Kayden (4) and Memphis (2). Her partner of some months, Shane (31), has had struggles with addiction, and has spent much of his life in prison. One night a violent argument broke out between them after they had returned home from a bar. Shane told Maggie she could choose between being beaten in the kitchen, where a friend was sitting, or going to the basement where they could talk privately. Maggie refused to be alone with him, and his rage grew more intense. Shane was arrested after a resident in the house called the police. He later pleaded guilty to a domestic violence felony and was given a nine-month sentence.

for Time

Shane flings Maggie back into the kitchen as she tries to run off.
Domestic violence is frequently seen as a private crime, hidden from view, often excused or obscured from outsiders even by its victims. Maggie (19) lives in central Ohio, with her children Kayden (4) and Memphis (2). Her partner of some months, Shane (31), has had struggles with addiction, and has spent much of his life in prison. One night a violent argument broke out between them after they had returned home from a bar. Shane told Maggie she could choose between being beaten in the kitchen, where a friend was sitting, or going to the basement where they could talk privately. Maggie refused to be alone with him, and his rage grew more intense. Shane was arrested after a resident in the house called the police. He later pleaded guilty to a domestic violence felony and was given a nine-month sentence.

Memphis runs into the kitchen as the argument between Shane and Maggie escalates. Later, she wedged herself between the two of them and refused to leave Maggie’s side.
Domestic violence is frequently seen as a private crime, hidden from view, often excused or obscured from outsiders even by its victims. Maggie (19) lives in central Ohio, with her children Kayden (4) and Memphis (2). Her partner of some months, Shane (31), has had struggles with addiction, and has spent much of his life in prison. One night a violent argument broke out between them after they had returned home from a bar. Shane told Maggie she could choose between being beaten in the kitchen, where a friend was sitting, or going to the basement where they could talk privately. Maggie refused to be alone with him, and his rage grew more intense. Shane was arrested after a resident in the house called the police. He later pleaded guilty to a domestic violence felony and was given a nine-month sentence.

for Time

Memphis runs into the kitchen as the argument between Shane and Maggie escalates. Later, she wedged herself between the two of them and refused to leave Maggie’s side.
Domestic violence is frequently seen as a private crime, hidden from view, often excused or obscured from outsiders even by its victims. Maggie (19) lives in central Ohio, with her children Kayden (4) and Memphis (2). Her partner of some months, Shane (31), has had struggles with addiction, and has spent much of his life in prison. One night a violent argument broke out between them after they had returned home from a bar. Shane told Maggie she could choose between being beaten in the kitchen, where a friend was sitting, or going to the basement where they could talk privately. Maggie refused to be alone with him, and his rage grew more intense. Shane was arrested after a resident in the house called the police. He later pleaded guilty to a domestic violence felony and was given a nine-month sentence.

Police arrest Shane after being called to the house by a fellow resident, during his argument with Maggie.
Domestic violence is frequently seen as a private crime, hidden from view, often excused or obscured from outsiders even by its victims. Maggie (19) lives in central Ohio, with her children Kayden (4) and Memphis (2). Her partner of some months, Shane (31), has had struggles with addiction, and has spent much of his life in prison. One night a violent argument broke out between them after they had returned home from a bar. Shane told Maggie she could choose between being beaten in the kitchen, where a friend was sitting, or going to the basement where they could talk privately. Maggie refused to be alone with him, and his rage grew more intense. Shane was arrested after a resident in the house called the police. He later pleaded guilty to a domestic violence felony and was given a nine-month sentence.

for Time

Police arrest Shane after being called to the house by a fellow resident, during his argument with Maggie.
Domestic violence is frequently seen as a private crime, hidden from view, often excused or obscured from outsiders even by its victims. Maggie (19) lives in central Ohio, with her children Kayden (4) and Memphis (2). Her partner of some months, Shane (31), has had struggles with addiction, and has spent much of his life in prison. One night a violent argument broke out between them after they had returned home from a bar. Shane told Maggie she could choose between being beaten in the kitchen, where a friend was sitting, or going to the basement where they could talk privately. Maggie refused to be alone with him, and his rage grew more intense. Shane was arrested after a resident in the house called the police. He later pleaded guilty to a domestic violence felony and was given a nine-month sentence.

Maggie’s children look on, as she sits smoking on the doorstep of a friend’s house the morning after being assaulted by her partner.
Domestic violence is frequently seen as a private crime, hidden from view, often excused or obscured from outsiders even by its victims. Maggie (19) lives in central Ohio, with her children Kayden (4) and Memphis (2). Her partner of some months, Shane (31), has had struggles with addiction, and has spent much of his life in prison. One night a violent argument broke out between them after they had returned home from a bar. Shane told Maggie she could choose between being beaten in the kitchen, where a friend was sitting, or going to the basement where they could talk privately. Maggie refused to be alone with him, and his rage grew more intense. Shane was arrested after a resident in the house called the police. He later pleaded guilty to a domestic violence felony and was given a nine-month sentence.

for Time

Maggie’s children look on, as she sits smoking on the doorstep of a friend’s house the morning after being assaulted by her partner.
Domestic violence is frequently seen as a private crime, hidden from view, often excused or obscured from outsiders even by its victims. Maggie (19) lives in central Ohio, with her children Kayden (4) and Memphis (2). Her partner of some months, Shane (31), has had struggles with addiction, and has spent much of his life in prison. One night a violent argument broke out between them after they had returned home from a bar. Shane told Maggie she could choose between being beaten in the kitchen, where a friend was sitting, or going to the basement where they could talk privately. Maggie refused to be alone with him, and his rage grew more intense. Shane was arrested after a resident in the house called the police. He later pleaded guilty to a domestic violence felony and was given a nine-month sentence.

Maggie and her daughter Memphis enjoy the view from the back seat of the family car, on a Saturday afternoon drive in Alaska. After her partner Shane had been arrested on charges of domestic violence, Maggie decided to move back to Alaska to be closer to her estranged husband.
Domestic violence is frequently seen as a private crime, hidden from view, often excused or obscured from outsiders even by its victims. Maggie (19) lives in central Ohio, with her children Kayden (4) and Memphis (2). Her partner of some months, Shane (31), has had struggles with addiction, and has spent much of his life in prison. One night a violent argument broke out between them after they had returned home from a bar. Shane told Maggie she could choose between being beaten in the kitchen, where a friend was sitting, or going to the basement where they could talk privately. Maggie refused to be alone with him, and his rage grew more intense. Shane was arrested after a resident in the house called the police. He later pleaded guilty to a domestic violence felony and was given a nine-month sentence.

for Time

Maggie and her daughter Memphis enjoy the view from the back seat of the family car, on a Saturday afternoon drive in Alaska. After her partner Shane had been arrested on charges of domestic violence, Maggie decided to move back to Alaska to be closer to her estranged husband.
Domestic violence is frequently seen as a private crime, hidden from view, often excused or obscured from outsiders even by its victims. Maggie (19) lives in central Ohio, with her children Kayden (4) and Memphis (2). Her partner of some months, Shane (31), has had struggles with addiction, and has spent much of his life in prison. One night a violent argument broke out between them after they had returned home from a bar. Shane told Maggie she could choose between being beaten in the kitchen, where a friend was sitting, or going to the basement where they could talk privately. Maggie refused to be alone with him, and his rage grew more intense. Shane was arrested after a resident in the house called the police. He later pleaded guilty to a domestic violence felony and was given a nine-month sentence.

A Portrait of Domestic Violence

Contemporary Issues, first prize stories

Shane carries Memphis, his partner Maggie’s toddler daughter. Shane had Maggie’s name tattooed on his neck one month into their courtship.

Domestic violence is frequently seen as a private crime, hidden from view, often excused or obscured from outsiders even by its victims. Maggie (19) lives in central Ohio, with her children Kayden (4) and Memphis (2). Her partner of some months, Shane (31), has had struggles with addiction, and has spent much of his life in prison. One night a violent argument broke out between them after they had returned home from a bar. Shane told Maggie she could choose between being beaten in the kitchen, where a friend was sitting, or going to the basement where they could talk privately. Maggie refused to be alone with him, and his rage grew more intense. Shane was arrested after a resident in the house called the police. He later pleaded guilty to a domestic violence felony and was given a nine-month sentence.

Sara Lewkowicz

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About the photographer

Sara Lewkowicz

Sara Lewkowicz is a New York photojournalist pursuing a master's degree in visual communication from Ohio University in Athens. She received her bachelor's degree in journalism from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill.

Her work has been published in Time, Stern, L’Espresso, Das Magazin, Opzij, Claudia, Days Japan, Internatzionale, Politiken, the Baltimore Sun, and numerous other magazines and newspapers. She has won several grants and awards, including the 2013 Alexia Student Grant and the 2013 Ville de Perpignan Remi Ochlik Award. She was also named the 2013 College Photographer of the Year by POYi.

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